Can Your Saddle’s Gullet Plate Become Warped? Yes — And Here’s Why It Matters.

As independent saddle fitters, one of the structural issues we see more often than many riders realize is a warped or misshapen gullet plate. The gullet plate (also called the gullet bar) is a critical part of your saddle’s tree — it keeps the tree the correct width, supports weight distribution, and helps the saddle sit level on your horse’s back.

When the gullet plate becomes bent or twisted, the saddle can no longer function the way it was designed. The problem is subtle, hidden inside the saddle, and often goes unnoticed… until a horse starts showing discomfort or performance changes.

Let’s break down why this happens, how to spot it, and why it’s something every horse owner should take seriously.

💥 What Causes a Gullet Plate to Become Warped?

There are several reasons a gullet plate can shift out of its proper shape. Some are sudden events; others build up gradually over months or years.

1. Mounting from the Ground (Especially on the Same Side)

One of the most common causes. When a rider mounts from the ground using the left stirrup, they apply uneven downward and outward force. Over time, this can twist the tree and distort the plate on an adjustable saddle. This is also commonly seen in fixed treed saddles.

2. A Saddle Drop, Fall, or Accident

Saddles are tougher than they look, but they’re not indestructible. Dropping a saddle, using the wrong saddle on the wrong horse, or having a horse fall or roll with the saddle on can bend the plate suddenly.

3. Using the Wrong Plate Size in Adjustable Saddles

For adjustable models, forcing a plate that’s too wide/narrow for the horse— or changing plates incorrectly — can stress the plate material and create distortion within the bar and tree. It is also common to see bars interchanged brand to brand or even model to model. It is essential to confirm you are using the proper gullet plate for the make and model of your saddle before adjusting.

4. Crooked Girthing

Uneven tension on an already stressed tree can cause asymmetrical pressure that eventually shows up as warped.

5. Heavy Long-Term Use Without Fit Checks

Just like a well-used leather saddle can stretch, the internal components can fatigue too. Older saddles or those ridden heavily may slowly lose structural symmetry. Saddles are not forever!

⚠️ Why a Warped Gullet Plate Is Dangerous

A warped gullet plate is more than just an inconvenience — it creates real physical consequences for your horse.

Uneven Pressure on the Spine and Back

The plate determines how the saddle sits on the horse. When it’s uneven, pressure points appear in places that should never experience concentrated force.

Poor Balance for Horse and Rider

A twisted or collapsed plate can make a saddle tip, rock, or slide. This doesn’t just affect your horse — it throws the rider off balance too.

Muscle Soreness and Behavioral Symptoms

Horses may show:

• Sensitivity when saddling

• Shortened stride

• Head tossing

• Rushing fences

• Bucking or cold-backed moments

• General tension through the back

These signs are often blamed on behavior… but structural saddle problems are a very common root cause.

Possible Tree Damage

A warped plate doesn’t always exist in isolation. It may indicate that the rest of the tree has been stressed — or is beginning to fail.

🔍 How to Tell if Your Gullet Plate May Be Warped

A few red flags include:

• Your saddle suddenly sits crooked

• Panels feel uneven left-to-right

• The saddle shifts to one side while riding

• A new pressure spot appears

• Your horse reacts negatively to saddling or girthing

• Visible distortion when the plate is removed

Even experienced riders can miss the early signs. Because the problem is internal, it often goes undetected until discomfort becomes obvious.

🛠️ What To Do If You Suspect a Warped Plate

Stop riding in the saddle until it can be evaluated — continued use can worsen the damage and cause soreness.

A saddle fitter can:

• Check the internal structure

• Assess whether the tree is intact

• Replace the gullet plate if appropriate

• Make sure the new plate fits your horse correctly

• Confirm overall symmetry and safety

At Patchwork Saddlery, structural integrity checks are part of every fitting. We can determine whether your saddle is safe, sound, and appropriate for your horse’s changing shape.

Your Horse’s Comfort Comes First

Gullet plate warping is typically repairable issue if caught early, but it’s also 100% preventable with good mounting habits, regular fit checks, and careful saddle handling.

If you’re unsure whether your saddle’s structure is sound — or you’ve noticed subtle changes in fit — we’d be happy to take a look.

Your horse deserves comfort and balance every ride. We’re here to help you make that happen. 💚